Skip to content

The Suzuki “Method” for Earth Care

Books by and an article about David Suzuki

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Suzuki Method generally refers to a form of musical teaching that emphasizes parent responsibility, loving encouragement, and constant repetition.  It was created more than 50 years ago by Shinichi Suzuki is practiced widely and has helped a great many learn to play musical instruments. This week, my wife, several friends and at least 1,000 others were treated to another Suzuki Method:  one for the care of planet Earth, a topic that has been near and dear to the brilliant Canadian scientist and communicator, David Suzuki, for more than half a century.

I first became acquainted with the work of David Suzuki in the 1970s via a Canadian Film Board production called The Hottest Show on Earth.  This lively, humorous film taught energy conservation in a creative way.  Far beyond that, it taught about natural resource conservation and concern for future generations.

It is no accident that he speaks so eloquently about these issues.  Suzuki’s credentials are impressive:  He has a Ph d in Zoology, was a professor of Genetics, produced and hosted numerous science and ecology based TV programs and films, and is the author of 53 books.  What really shines through when you see him is his passion, his humanity and his profound love for the earth and all of its inhabitants.

At 79, Suzuki joked that he is entering “the death zone” period when he could “kick the bucket at any time.”  This realization helped inspire him to write his latest book Letters to my Grandchildren.

His clear perspective as a scientist and a learned man was refreshing.  He pointed out that “we are first and foremost animals,” and that “our ultimate mother is Earth.”  Humans have, as Suzuki noted, a superiority complex that often translates to destruction of the planet and other people who are different from us.  “…we see ourselves at the center of everything, and our political and economic priorities dominate everything else.”  He added that “land is far more than a commodity.  It is home; it is sacred.”

Toward the end of his talk, Suzuki shared wise thoughts on activism.  He pointed out that he and others thought they had “stopped” a number of developments in Canada from occurring, including several dam projects, only to have them re-surface later on and get built.  While he strongly encourages standing up for the environment, he emphasized the need to educate; to seek common ground, and to agree upon standards for the basics of life, like clean air, water, food and a healthy, diverse planet.

In other words, we need to pursue a culture of conservation.  Clearly, we aren’t there yet.  Luminaries like Suzuki inspire us to continue on this path – oddly a hard one for humans to follow.  Pick up Letters to My Grandchildren.  As the book cover says, it contains “Wisdom and inspiration from one of the most important thinkers on the planet.”  We all stand to benefit from his perspectives.